The presentation of the book by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan "Christianity in Central Asia in the Middle Ages" took place in Alma-Ata

December 13, 2024. Alma-Ata. At the end of the diocesan meeting of the clergy of the Astana and Alma-Ata diocese, the presentation of the book by Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan "Christianity in Central Asia in the Middle Ages" took place.

The monograph was published as part of the scientific work of the Alma-Ata Orthodox Theological Seminary by the publishing department of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District (headed by Archpriest Evgeny Ivanov).

The vice-rector for educational work of the theological school, Priest John Livinsky, told those present about the structure of the book and its features. The pastor noted the high scientific level of the research, the breadth of the source base and emphasized the importance of the results obtained.

Then the author of the monograph, Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, addressed the audience with a story about the significance of the research work undertaken. "Christianity from ancient times to the present day, along with traditional peaceful Islam, has been and remains a significant factor in interethnic harmony and social stability for Central Asia and one of the sources of preserving and strengthening culture, public morality and high moral ideals. We must all testify that Christianity is not a new and foreign religion for Kazakhstan and other countries of Central Asia, this fact is indisputably confirmed by the abundance of archaeological finds and indications in chronicle sources. Here, as in other countries united by trade ties of the Great Silk Road, in the first centuries of our era, spiritual enlighteners came from Syria, temples were erected here and bishoprics were founded, nomadic tribes professed faith in the Triune God and the Savior of the world - Jesus Christ. Various archaeological data help to take a deeper look at the history and culture of this region, revealing its diversity and richness. From ancient times to the present day, in the vast expanses of the Great Steppe, Muslims and Christians in peace and brotherly love, supporting each other, work to develop and prosper their common home - blessed Kazakhstan, setting an example for other countries and people. I hope that this book will help to form a reliable historical picture of the presence of Christianity in Central Asia in ancient times."

As the hierarch said, he was inspired to write the book by a conversation with the President of the country K.-Zh.K. Tokayev on the history of traditional religions of Kazakhstan - Islam of the Hanafi madhhab and Christianity, which took place during an official meeting on June 19, 2023. The Metropolitan Bishop emphasized that the head of state, being a serious specialist in the field of national history, cited a large number of interesting and relevant scientific data concerning the antiquity of Christian preaching in the territory of the Great Steppe and the existence of a developed church life here in the Middle Ages. Some of the research materials indicated by the President were included in the monograph.

The head of the Metropolitan District noted that a documentary film would be created based on the materials of the book, after which he answered questions from those present and presented copies of his scientific work to the clergy.

The publication is well illustrated, provided with maps and links to scientific sources. The work is addressed to historians, religious scholars, archaeologists, as well as all those interested in the history of the Christian faith. With the blessing of Metropolitan Alexander of Astana and Kazakhstan, the scientific work will be transferred to the libraries of the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary, Sunday schools and spiritual and cultural centers of the Metropolitan District.

At the end of the presentation of the publication, an exhibition based on the materials of the book "Christianity in Central Asia in the Middle Ages" was opened in the foyer of the spiritual and cultural center of the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District named after Metropolitan Joseph (Chernov).

The exhibition will continue until December 30. Anyone can visit it. Admission is free.

"Among the various fundamental ideas that determine the existence of people, set historical vectors and form civilizations, it is religious ideas that have played and continue to play a predominant and fundamental role. In the life of mankind throughout its existence, religion, faith in God or the supernatural world, adherence to spiritual norms and traditions have been the most important elements. Religious ideas and teachings contributed to the formation of moral values, legal and social norms, the emergence and development of science and education, culture and art. The purpose of this publication is to show the role and influence of Christianity in the history of Eastern civilizations, to tell about its interaction with other religions and the impact of Christian doctrine and church customs on the peoples of Central Asia, from ancient times to the Middle Ages. The book in an easy and accessible form gives a general idea of the history of Christianity in the vast historical and geographical region known as Central Asia to those readers who do not have the time or opportunity to delve into the scientific works and specialized monographs that have appeared in recent decades. The work undertaken by Metropolitan Alexander is of a generalizing nature. The main task in writing it was to search for and summarize the currently known materials on the history of the Eastern Churches. It should be noted that in addition to the data presented by Russian-speaking archaeologists and historians, the book uses the most recent research on the designated topic by Western European scholars, published in English, German and French. The life of Local Churches and Christian communities over many centuries of existence represents the richest and often difficult to perceive historical material. In order to help the reader form the clearest idea of the emergence and existence of Christianity in various Central Asian regions and among various people and tribes, the historical, ethnographic and cultural data in the book are combined into chapters, each of which is devoted to a specific geographic area. It is necessary to understand that it is impossible to fully reconstruct the history of Christianity in Central Asia due to the fragmentary and incomplete nature of historical information. It is also necessary to take into account the fact that active interest in this topic has appeared relatively recently and scientists still have a lot to do to carry out deep and serious work in this direction. In the Republic of Kazakhstan, a multinational and multi-confessional country that today occupies a leading political, socio-economic and cultural place in Central Asia, Orthodoxy is the second most important traditional religion after Islam of the Hanafi madhhab. Its historical role is noted in the preamble of the constitutional Law "On Religious Activity and Religious Associations". Government and public figures traditionally call peaceful Islam and Orthodox Christianity the "two pillars" and "two spiritual wings" of Kazakhstan. The Turkestan diocese was formed in the vast expanses of Semirechye and the Great Steppe in 1871, the Kazakhstan Metropolitan District was established two decades ago, but it is important to remember that the history of the Orthodox Church of Kazakhstan goes back to ancient times. Christianity is not a new or foreign religion for our country, this fact is indisputably confirmed by the abundance of archaeological finds and references in chronicle sources. Here, as in other countries united by trade ties of the Great Silk Road, in the first centuries of our era, spiritual enlighteners from Antioch came, temples were erected and bishoprics were founded here, nomadic tribes professed faith in the Triune God and the Savior of the world - Jesus Christ. The information presented in the presented book helps to take a deeper look at the history and culture of Kazakhstan, and shows its even greater diversity and richness.
Attention to the historical destinies of Christianity in Central Asia, to the works of church figures who enlightened countries and peoples from the banks of the Euphrates River to the mountains of Manchuria, is growing these days, including in connection with the active development of dialogue between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Assyrian Church of the East.
A comprehensive study of the history of Christianity in Central Asia remains an acute and pressing issue. That is why many and many volumes of research on this topic are needed. But popular science books are also needed that could interest the general reader, that could help the reader understand his or her integration into the history of the region where he or she lives. And this kind of literature turns out to be a great rarity. And this is precisely the deficiency that this book tries to fill with a general overview of the history of Christianity in the territory of medieval Central Asia." Preface by Acting Rector of the Alma-Ata Theological Seminary, Archpriest Yevgeny Ivanov, to the book by Metropolitan Alexander “Christianity in Central Asia in the Middle Ages.”